Stephanie POV
Today is my wedding day. I'm standing in the bridal room at the Cloister Inn in Princeton. My mom is waiting for Valerie to finish adjusting my gown so she can place my veil in my hair. As I stare at my image in the mirror, I'm surprised to find my nerves calm. I know that my Batman will be waiting for me at the end of the aisle and the thought of being his forever makes my heart soar. Valerie finishes and steps back and looks at me. I catch her eye in the mirror and smile. For one moment, I know my sister understands my complete happiness. My mother steps closer and attaches my veil amongst my curls. I see tears in her eyes.
"Mom, are you okay?" I ask.
"Stephanie, I've never seen you look more beautiful," she replies with a smile.
My father is waiting outside. My mother kisses my forehead and goes to her seat. Valerie gives me a quick hug before taking her place in line with Lula, MaryLou, and Connie. I hear the processional music start. My father looks at me with so much hope.
"Ready, Pumpkin?" he says, taking my hand.
"I've never been more ready for anything, Daddy," I say as I kiss his cheek.
"He's really the one, isn't he?" my father asks as he links my arm around his and starts to lead me to the aisle.
"I'm only me when I'm with him," I reply as I take a deep breath prepare to meet the love of my life.
And I don't try to hide my tears
The secrets or my deepest fears
Through it all nobody gets me like you do
And you know everything about me
You say that you can't live without me
I'm only up when you're not down
Don't wanna fly if you're still on the ground
It's like no matter what I do
Well you drive me crazy half the time
The other half I'm only trying to let you know
That what I feel is true
And I'm only me when I'm with you
Ranger POV
The music is playing and though I have Tank, Lester, Bobby and my brother, Enrique, standing next to me, I feel like I'm alone. Steph's song starts and the guests rise. My breath catches as I see her walking towards me on her father's arm. She hadn't wanted the whole white gown deal, but it was the only thing I wanted. It fits each and every curve on her. The crystal beading makes her look like a princess. She is my angel. She will always be beautiful to me, but this moment has exceeded my wildest dreams.
Her father kisses her cheek and puts her hand in mine. He clasps our two hands in his and gives us a squeeze. Out of the corner of my eye, I can see my mother wiping her eyes as she hangs onto my father; they never thought they'd see this day. I take Steph's hand and lead her to face the priest. He begins to talk as the music stops, but I'm not listening. I can't take my eyes off her.
From the moment I saw you,
from the moment I looked into your eyes
there was something about you
I knew I knew
that you were once in a life time
a treasure near impossible to find
and I know how lucky I am to have you
Cause I've seen the rainbows that can take your breath away
the beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
and when it comes to shooting stars, I've seen a few
but I've never seen anything...as beautiful as you
Holding you in my arms
no one else has fit so perfectly
I could dance forever with you, with you
and at the stroke of midnight
please forgive me if I can't let go
cause I never dreamed I'd find a Cinderella of my own
Cause I've seen the rainbows that can take your breath away
the beauty of the setting sun that ends a perfect day
and when it comes to shooting stars, I've seen a few
but I've never seen anything...as beautiful as you
Steph and Ranger POV
"I, Carlos Mañoso, take you, Stephanie Plum, to be my wife; to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do us part."
"I, Stephanie Plum, take you, Carlos Mañoso, to be my husband; to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do us part"
Now my head's up in the clouds
When I'm around you
I just wanna say, everyday
Thank God I found you
I will move heaven and earth
Give you my heart, for all that its worth
You are mine 'til the end of time
I don't care what we're going through
'Till the end, my heart belongs to you.
You are my heart
You are my everything
The moon and the stars
And the air that I breathe
And you gave me strength again
"I now pronounce you man and wife. Carlos, you may kiss your bride," the priest says with a smile.
Frank POV
It's the first dance. Stephanie and Ranger take the floor. Her gown is pinned up in back so it doesn't drag. My baby girl has never been happier. Her face glows. His eyes haven't left her since he saw her walk down the aisle. I know she's made the right choice. The room is dead silent except for the music as they dance. His left hand is firmly on her waist- he'll always protect her. His right hand holds hers as he leads her around the floor. You can tell they are in their own world-none of us are here to them right now.
I thought my wife would have a coronary when Ranger said this would be Stephanie's day; anything she wanted. The vaulted ceilings give this room a fairytale quality. I don't think Helen could've planned a better wedding. I have my arm around her, but she's watching the happy couple along with everyone else. Not one person here could deny that two wandering souls have found each other at last.
Cheek to cheek 'cause he needs her
Hand in hand as he leads her
Face to face 'cause they know
They'll never dance alone
'Cause everyone knows they're in love
Everyone knows they're in love
Yes and everyone knows they're in love
By the way they dance
By the way she moves in circles
Ever so sweetly she wins him completely
By the way he holds her so gracefully
The hand that he lends her is able and tender
Never a step to chance
'Cause everyone knows they're in love
By the way they dance
Stephanie POV
What an evening! I'm lying in bed, waiting for Carlos to finish on the phone. He's talking to Tank about honeymoon details. I don't know where he's taking me, but I'm certain we will have fun. He was so excited to plan it, I couldn't say no when he asked if it could be a surprise.
He crawls under the sheet with me and takes me in his arms. I've never felt more complete. He kisses me and I melt.
This is real. I've got my superhero now. My wings have spread and I'm gliding. I'm living my fairytale. We are the greatest story ever told.
And if I lived a thousand years you know
I never could explain
The way I lost my heart to you, that day
But if destiny decided I should look the other way
Then the world would never know
The greatest story ever told
And did I tell you that I love you tonight
I don't hear the music
When I'm looking in you eyes
But I feel the rhythm of your body close to mine
It's the way we touch that sends me
It's the way we'll always be
Your kiss, your pretty smile, you know I'd die for
Oh baby... you're all I need
The songs, in order, are:
Taylor Swift "I'm Only Me When I'm With You"
Jim Brickman "Beautiful"
Jim Brickman "My Heart Belongs to You"
Jump Little Children "By the Way They Dance"
Oliver James "Greatest Story Ever Told"
Wedding venue: .
Steph's dress: ./_hjLO3myE9wI/SeusIX9Xd5I/AAAAAAAAA9k/SAvAPY0Dhco/s1600/Ella%2BBridals%2BWedding%2BGownsElla%2BBridals%2BWedding%